Council investigating deliberate tree poisoning in Revesby

TWO old trees in front of a Revesby development site have been poisoned. It’s not an isolated incident with council having investigated many similar acts in Canterbury-Bankstown over the last financial year.

Bankstown Mayor, Khal Asfour poses with two trees that were poisoned. Pictures: David Swift

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TWO old trees, growing in front of a development site, have been poisoned in what is being labelled a “disgusting act of vandalism”.

The brush box trees on Sherwood St in Revesby, are believed to have been poisoned three weeks ago.

Fifteen holes were drilled into the base and Round Up weed killer injected into the brush boxes, which are believed to be at least 30 years old.

Despite efforts to save the trees by saturating them with water to remove toxins, the trees are expected to die within four months.

Fines for poisoning the trees is up to $100,000 for individuals and $2 million for corporations.

Canterbury-Bankstown Council Mayor Khal Asfour said it was a despicable crime and the council was investigating.

“Apart from damaging the environment, those responsible have disregarded the safety of surrounding residents and their pets,” Cr Asfour said.

“Our investigation is well under way, with valuable information having been received from residents.”

Tree poisoning carries heavy penalties, with individuals facing fines of up to $100,000 and corporations liable to pay $2 million.

The problem is not a new one in Canterbury-Bankstown, with the council investigating 17 similar incidents over the last financial year including two eucalyptus grey box trees poisoned in Padstow in February.

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A resident told the council about the drill holes in the Revesby trees.

“Our residents are our eyes and ears in the community because our officers can’t be everywhere all the time,” Cr Asfour said.

He said once the culprits were found the council would use the “full weight of the law” to send a clear message to anyone thinking about poisoning trees.